Today’s technique isn’t a new stitch or a way to make something that looks different. Instead, I want to discuss English versus Continental knitting (and purling)
Most of us learn to knit English style, or “throwing”; that is, we hold the yarn in our right hand and pull it around the needle to make the stitch. This is an excellent way to learn because it’s easy to see how the stitch is made. Continental style knitting, or “picking”, involves holding and tensioning the yarn in your left hand and using the right needle to pick up a loop of yarn for the stitch.
If you already knit English style, why should you consider learning Continental style?
1. Many knitters (like me) find that we knit more quickly using Continental technique, mostly because there’s less hand and arm movement needed.
2. The smaller amount of movement also puts less stress on the elbow and forearm.
3. If you are going to do Fair Isle or stranded color knitting, it is very helpful to be able to knit with each hand so that you don’t have to drop the yarn every time you change colors.
4. It’s also helpful to be able to do both Continental and English style knitting so that you can use change if you start to get a repetitive strain injury.
Are there downsides to knitting Continental style? Yes. Nothing is perfect in this life. The biggest thing that people find to be a barrier to using Continental style is learning to purl and it was what gave me so much trouble when I first tried to switch. All I can recommend is that you keep at it until it finally becomes comfortable for you. Also, most knitters have different gauges when knitting English and Continental. This isn’t so much a problem as a reminder to always make a gauge swatch!
I definitely recommend taking the time and effort to learn both English and Continental style knitting. Here is a good link with excellent pictures. And here is another link with videos. And, as always, if you need in-person help, stop by The Knitting Nest (after August 23rd!).
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